The Wurkkos FC11 2700K 18650 Flashlight is somewhat well covered by reviews lately, but I was intrigued enough by this light to convince Wurkkos to send one for review. I was particularly interested in the 2700K version, and that’s what they sent. Read on for some thoughts and testing!
Official Specs and Features
Here’s a link to the amazon product page.
Versions
I believe there’s only one body for the FC11. But I know of at least two emitter temperature options: 2700K and 4000K. I think there may also be a 5000K, but I’m less certain on that.
Price
Looks like the current price is $29.97 on amazon. (referral link here).
Short Review of the Wurkkos FC11 2700K 18650 Flashlight
This light is definitely worth $30, and I recommend you buying one!
Wurkkos FC11 2700K 18650 Flashlight Long Review
The Big Table
| Emitter: | Samsung LH351d (2700K, 90CRI) |
| Price in USD at publication time: | $29.97 at amazon (referral link) |
| Cell: | 1×18650 (included) |
| Turbo Runtime Graph | High Runtime Graph |
| LVP? | Switch warning |
| Switch Type: | E-Switch |
| Quiescent Current (mA): | 1.46 |
| On-Board Charging? | Yes |
| Charge Port Type: | USB-C |
| Charge Graph | |
| Power off Charge Port | with cell: one mode without cell: one mode |
| Claimed Lumens (lm) | 1300 |
| Measured Lumens (at 30s) | 766 (58.9% of claim)* |
| Candela per Lumen | 7.8 |
| Claimed Throw (m) | 144 |
| Candela (Calculated) in cd (at 30s) | 173lux @ 5.248m = 4765cd |
| Throw (Calculated) (m) | 138.1 (95.9% of claim)* |
| All my Wurkkos reviews! | |
- Measurement disclaimer: I am an amateur flashlight reviewer. I don’t have $10,000 or even $1,000 worth of testing equipment. I test output and such in PVC tubes!! Please consider claims within 10% of what I measure to be perfectly reasonable (accurate, even).
What’s Included
- Wurkkos FC11 2700K 18650 Flashlight
- Wurkkos 3000mAh 18650
- Charge cable (USB to USB-C)
- Lanyard
- Spare o-rings (2)
- Manual etc
Package and Manual
Build Quality and Disassembly
I would describe the build quality of this inexpensive light as “good” or even “very good.”
It’s maybe twice the price of something like a Convoy S2+, and the build quality is definitely much better.
The standout for me is that this one is available as 2700K 90CRI, which is great.
The body doesn’t have knurling, but does have rings for grip. They don’t do a whole lot to aid in holding, though.
The tailcap has appropriate grip, however, which aids in removal.
On the head are shallow cooling fins.
A press-in charge port cover keeps the USB-C charge port safe from debris and water.
Threads on the FC11 are square cut, moderately long, and lightly (if at all) lubed.
While the pocket clip can install in only one end, the cell tube is actually reversible – threading is the same on both ends.
A magnet is in the tailcap, and this magnet is adequate strength for holding even in a horizontal position.
Both head and tail have big beefy springs, and if you notice carefully on the head end, there’s a “+” for cell direction.
Size and Comps
Officially the size is:
116.23mm x 27mm, and 65g (without cell).
If a light will headstand, I’ll show it here (usually the third photo). If a light will tailstand, I’ll show that here, too (usually the fourth photo).
Here’s the test light with the venerable Convoy S2+. Mine’s a custom “baked” edition Nichia 219b triple. A very nice 18650 light.
And here’s the light beside my custom engraved TorchLAB BOSS 35, an 18350 light. I reviewed the aluminum version of that light in both 35 and 70 format.
This image below is just all in fun – the cell tube is completely gone here. But wouldn’t this be a fun little light! (Shorter than an 18350 version, though.)
Retention and Carry
Mainly the FC11 will be carried using the included friction fit pocket clip, which installs on the tail end. This means bezel down carry is the default.
It’s a friction fit clip, like I said, so…. clip hug!
But the cell tube is reversible, so if you wish to have bezel up carry, then just flip the cell tube. The balance will be a little off, but it works. The location of the clip on the body with “bezel up” carry would make this a reasonable hatlight solution.
Another option for retaining the FC11 is the included lanyard, which attaches through this hole in the tailcap. There are also places on the pocket clip to attach the lanyard, but as it’s a friction fit clip, I’d recommend sticking with the hole in the tailcap.
Finally we have the tailcap magnet, which holds the FC11 quite securely on the right base.
Power and Runtime
Voltage range for the FC11 is 2.7V-4.2V, so that means it runs on a single lithium ion cell. Included with the purchase of the Wurkkos FC11 is a 3000mAh 18650.
This cell is a button top, and appears standard in every way.
Since the FC11 has springs on the head and tail, there’s nothing preventing usage of any type 18650. Flat top, button top, protected, unprotected – they all should work fine.
Cell installation is normal – positive end toward the head. You can remove the tailcap or the head to install the cell.
Provided below are a few runtimes. The claim of 1300 lumens is almost certainly for the 4000K version. It doesn’t seem that Wurkkos provided specs for this very warm and higher CRI edition. Both of those factors will mean that we can expect the output to be less, and that’s what we see in fact. I find more issue with not speccing the 2700K option, than for “being wrong” or “misleading” necessarily.
The modes aren’t very well regulated.
Both Turbo and High have a big stepdown after a minute or two, and then the output just trails off. At around 2.9V or so, the switch begins to warn of low voltage.
When the light is turned on, the indicating switch will light momentarily to advise of cell voltage, as follows:
Green: Power >30%
Red: Power <30%
Red Flashing: Recharge cell as soon as possible
Charging
A USB-C port is used for charging, and it’s on the head and opposite the switch.
A press in cover protects the port. The cover is really quite nice.
Wurkkos provides a USB to USB-C cable, too.
Charging looks pretty good, if a little slow at around 1A. The time required is over 4 hours, and termination voltage is a little low at around 4.15V.
Modes and Currents
| Mode | Mode Claimed Output (lm) | Claimed Runtime | Measured Lumens | Tailcap Amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo | 1300 | 1h20m | 766 | 4.36 |
| High | 700 | 2h45m | 452 | 1.72 |
| Mid | 300 | 9h | 177 | 0.62 |
| Low | 50 | 45h | 35 | 0.15 |
| Eco | 2 | 275h | ~ | 0.01 |
Pulse Width Modulation
All the lower modes and I think even Turbo utilize pulse width modulation. It’s fast, and I don’t notice it, though.
For reference, here’s a baseline shot, with all the room lights off and almost nothing hitting the sensor. And here’s the worst PWM light I have ever owned. Also one of the very first lights I ordered directly from China!
User Interface and Operation
A single switch is used to control the FC11. It’s an e-switch in the head of the light, and has indicating emitters under the translucent black cover.
Texture is one way to differentiate the switch from the charge port cover, but also the charge port cover has more of a rounded (off the body) feel, while the switch feels flatter.
Below, the switch is indicating green.
There are two mode groups on the FC11. The default is stepped, which has five output levels, and no ramping. The second utilizes ramping.
Here’s a UI table for Group 1!
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Hold | Eco |
| Off | Click | On (Mode Memory) |
| Off | Double Click | Turbo |
| On | Click | Off (Except in Turbo) |
| On | Hold | Mode Cycle (Eco>Low>Mid>High) |
| Turbo | Click | Previous Mode |
| Off | Hold 3s | Switch to Group 2 |
| Off | Click 4x | Lockout – main emitter will still respond by blinking quickly twice on click |
| Lockout | Click 4x | Unlock to previous mode. |
| Any | Click 3x | Strobe |
| Strobe | Click | Return to previous mode. |
Here’s a UI table for Group 2!
| State | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Off | Hold | Eco |
| Off | Click | On (Mode Memory) |
| Off | Double Click | Turbo |
| On | Click | Off (Except in Turbo) |
| On | Hold | Ramp to highest output* |
| Turbo | Click | Previous Mode |
| Off | Hold 3s | Switch to Group 2 |
| Off | Click 4x | Lockout – main emitter will still respond by blinking quickly twice on click |
| Lockout | Click 4x | Unlock to previous mode. |
| Any | Click 3x | Strobe |
| Strobe | Click | Return to previous mode. |
- Ramp can sort of do multiple things, depending. The first ramp after the light is turned on will always be upward (unless you start in Turbo by double clicking from off.) And ramp will most often be “up” unless you hold the switch again within around 2 seconds of ramping up, and then the ramp will be down.
LED and Beam
Wurkkos uses a Samsung LH351d in the FC11. In this case it’s a 2700K emitter, which means it’s warm white (WW), or “very warm.”
I consider “very warm” lights to be fantastic for around the house at night lights. Lights that won’t be abrasive, and potentially disturb sleepers with their coolness. The 2700K of this light is perfect in that regard. Also the high CRI (or “higher” CRI at 90) is great for this purpose, too.
These beamshots are always with the following settings: f8, ISO100, 0.3s shutter, and manual 5000K exposure.
Tint vs BLF-348 (KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b version) (affiliate link)
Test light is on the left!
I compare everything to the KillzoneFlashlights.com 219b BLF-348, because it’s inexpensive and has the best tint!
Conclusion
What I like
- 2700K is just great.
- Also a high CRI emitter
- Complete package for under $30 is a deal
- Ramping UI option for those who like thatl
- USB-C charging is forward-thinking
What I don’t like
- The pocket clip is not fantastic
- Charging is a little slow
Notes
- This light was provided by Wurkkos for review. I was not paid to write this review.
- This content originally appeared at zeroair.org. Please visit there for the best experience!
- For flashlight related patches, stickers, and gear, head over to PhotonPhreaks, another site where I write!
- Use my amazon.com referral link if you’re willing to help support making more reviews like this one!
- Consider making a donation to help support this site and my work!
Interesting. It heats up more than Convoy S2+ SST20 2700K. I thought the LH351d emitter is more efficient than SST20
I recently opted for this same tint. It’s a great light for outside and at night. Been loving it so far! I’m tempted to pick up another but the clip is a real downfall for me.
I hear ya! I love the 2700K. Super great for wandering around the house at night. Clip hasn’t really bothered me but then, for my uses of this light, I don’t really clip.